I have a box I kept in the attic concealed and forgotten gathering dustOne day, I tripped on it knowing what I’ll find I opened it with trembling handsIn it sweet memories long forgotten came spilling outDearly beloved from bygone years stared right through me mocking with their smileBlinded by sudden a flood of tears flowing images I hold became blurryWiping away salty tears one familiar face stood out with his famous jawlineHis eyes sparkled with merriment lanky frame suppressing a hearty laughI let out an audible breath feeling a deep yearning for someone we’ve lostI miss teasing him his chuckles still ringing in my ears repeating my pet name All I have now are echoes from the past the black and whites and his love deeply ingrained in all of us Image: Pixabay

She wishes to fade away, to be less than nothing, unborn. A leaf on a tree in late October, falling to the shadowy earth, devoured by the mud of the murmuring forest floor.

At dinner she sits across from the smiling man. Later they retreat to a larger room that is flooded by honey-colored light where he reads from the book, moving from life to death, from lead to gold. Lighting strikes the corner of his blinking eye, the twitch of his crooked smile. He warns her of saintly heroes, how she must fight against all temptation, live in his light to hear the angelic chime of bells that summon her to kneel and remain beside his benevolent being.

At dusk he takes her hand and leads her through a wooded path to an arbor where she must undress for she is not pure and he is good and wise…

So, let us reflect what is truly of value in life, what gives meaning to our lives, and set our priorities on the basis of that. The purpose of our life needs to be positive. We weren’t born with the purpose of causing trouble, harming others. For our life to be of value, I think we must develop basic good human qualities—warmth, kindness, compassion. Then our life becomes meaningful and more peaceful—happier.” ― Dalai Lama XIV